System and method for promoting physical activity and recruiting individuals to participate

ABSTRACT

A system and method for promoting physical activity in children and recruiting individuals to participate in the program for physical activity. Promotion of physical activity is centered around an entertainment event such as a movie release. A variety of physical activities are related to the entertainment event to encourage and entice children to participate. Children and their parents are directed to a website where they can learn about the entertainment event and how they can participate in the physical activities as well as to recruit other children to participate. Children participate in the physical activities and then track their participation at the web site. Prizes and rewards are issued to reward the children for their participation in the activities and to keep them interested in the program. The program combines the entertainment event with online and real world experiences while keeping the children engaged in physical activities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/181,156 filed on May 26, 2009 and titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RECRUITING INDIVIDUALS TO PARTICIPATE, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computerized systems for managing fitness programs. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for promoting physical activity and recruiting individuals to participate in physical activities by associating the physical activities with an entertainment event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many school-aged children today, homework and extra-curricular demands consume a substantial portion of their time leaving them with little free time to play or engage in physical activities. When they do have free time, the preferred pastimes are often playing computer and video games and engaging in other sedentary activities such as watching movies and television. The only regular exercise they get may be in a physical education course at their school. As a result, many children are lead to believe that physical activity for the day ends when their physical education class ends.

Competing demands for a student's time can make it difficult for the student to find time to exercise or engage in a physically demanding activity. Furthermore, it is unlikely that they will try to find or make time to exercise. Even if they understand that exercise is important, they are unlikely to perform physical activities for the sole purpose of maintaining or improving their health. Children often have a need to be entertained or engaged when performing any activity, whether physical or mental. They are more likely to be attracted to an activity and to engage in it when it provides some entertainment or stimulation.

One way to make physical activity more enticing to children is to associate it in some way with an entertainment event. For example, an opportunity to participate in activities leading up to an entertainment event may make the physical activity more interesting and therefore, something in which the children are more likely to engage. Another way to make physical activity more enticing for children is to provide a way for them to get their friends involved in the activity and if there is an associated entertainment event, in activities leading up to the entertainment event. Children often like to do the things their friends want to do as well. Finally, all children are more likely to become involved in a physical activity if the barrier to participate is low. Therefore, it is important that the physical activity be suited to children with varying degrees of physical and athletic ability. There is a need for a program designed for children that promotes physical activity through a variety of activities that occur in relation to an entertainment event and that facilitates recruiting others to participate in the physical activity and related entertainment event.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for promoting physical activity in children and recruiting individuals to participate in the program. Promotion of physical activity is centered on an entertainment event such as a movie release. Initially, promotional events associated with an upcoming entertainment event are held. The promotions are directed to families with children to build excitement for the entertainment event. A variety of physical activities are related in some way to the entertainment event to encourage and entice children to participate in the activities. As part of the promotional events, children and their parents are directed to a website where they can learn about the entertainment event and how they can participate in the physical activities associated with the entertainment event as well as to recruit other children to participate in the physical activities.

At each promotional event, packets of cards are distributed to each child that attends. In an example embodiment where the entertainment event is a movie, each card represents a character from the movie. The characters identified on the cards constitute a “team.” Each child is instructed to recruit other friends to complete his or her team. Throughout the days or weeks before the entertainment event, the team members or “agents” access a website where they are issued challenges or missions that involve healthy activities for children. Activities may include everyday tasks such as helping with housework or yard work as well as performing community service activities. Information about the missions or challenges and each child's participation is tracked. Prizes and rewards are issued periodically to reward the children for their participation in the missions and challenges and to keep them interested in the program. The program combines the entertainment event with online and real world experiences while keeping the children engaged in physical activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a consumer experience according to an example embodiment of the present invention involving a movie;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of content for an unsecured site according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sample screenshot of a splash page for an unsecured site according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a sample screenshot of a headquarters page according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sample “agent page” from a process for becoming an agent according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of content for a secure site according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sample agent log in page according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a secure agent profile site according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates sample agent and referral cards according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a secure missions site according to an example embodiment

FIG. 11 is a sample missions page according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a create missions site according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a sample create mission page according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of hardware components to support user interaction with a web site according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for promoting physical activity in children and recruiting individuals to participate in the physical activity program is described. Promotion of physical activity is centered on an entertainment event. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the entertainment event with which promotional events and physical activities are associated is a movie. Several promotional events to attract children are scheduled in advance of the movie release. Children attending the promotional events are directed to a website associated with the movie where they find information about the physical activity program and how they and their friends can participate in the physical activity program. The children then engage in a variety of online and real world experiences that are tied to the movie. The children's interest in the entertainment event is used to channel their interest to the web site and into the physical activities that are tied to the movie.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a consumer experience according to an example embodiment of the present invention involving a movie is shown. The consumer experience begins with promotional events 100 for the entertainment event (e.g., movie) and related physical activity program. The events may be staged in several cities. The promotional events may be advertised at one or more web sites (e.g., through banner ads the movie producer's sites or a partner's site) as well as on radio, television, and in print. Each promotional event is directed to families with children that may be interested in seeing the movie. Promotional materials for the entertainment event as well as the physical activity program may be distributed at each event.

The promotional materials direct children and their parents to a web site where the children and parents learn about the movie and related physical activity program 102. A portion of the site is secure and accessible through a registration process. Children who would like to access the secure portion and participate in the physical activities are required to provide parental permission to participate 104. A parent registers the child at the site by providing a name, telephone number, and email address. An account is established with a username and password provided by the parent. The parent then receives an email message at the specified address with a link that the parent selects to confirm his or her child has permission or does not have permission to access the site and participate in activities. The email includes a Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) statement, site terms and conditions, and contact information. If the parent selects the confirmation link to confirm that the child is permitted to participate, the parent receives a confirmation message indicating the child is allowed to participate in activities including missions and challenges. The parent can track the child's activity using a username and password created during the registration process. The child can also log on to the site with the same username and password.

If a parent selects the link to confirm the child does not have permission to access the site and participate in activities, access to the secure portion of the site and activities is denied. If the parent does not respond to the confirmation email, a reminder is sent to the parent asking the parent to approve or disapprove the child's participation.

For children that have parental permission to participate, the registration process 102 may further involve creating an online profile for use in interacting with the web site. Creation of a profile may involve selecting a character from the movie to represent the child in online activities. In addition, while interacting with the site, the children learn about various physical activities they can perform and a process for recording in their profiles results related to their completion of the suggested physical activities. They are also given opportunities to define their own physical activities and record results related to completion of the activities. Finally, the children are provided with information for recruiting others to participate in the physical activities. In an example embodiment of the present invention, each registered child receives an “agent” kit that comprises a promotion code and cards for recruiting other children.

Upon receiving the cards, each child distributes the cards to siblings or friends who may be interested in participating in the physical activities and related events 104. Each recruited child obtains parental permission to participate and completes the online registration process. A child that has been recruited uses the promotion code provided to the recruiting agent so that the recruiting agent can be credited with recruiting the child. An agent that recruits a specified number of children (e.g., four) may be rewarded (e.g., with a badge). Each recruited child receives an agent kit and recruits additional children 106. As a result, the level of participation in the physical activities and related events is increased.

After completing the registration process and completing an online profile 108, a child is provided with access to a web site that is associated with the movie. The web site 110 may be organized in several sections 112. In an example embodiment, one section provides access to the child's online profile information, a second section provides access to information about the physical activities that the child completes, and a third section provides information about the movie.

The physical activities (“missions”) section provides the child with information about various tasks or missions that the child can complete and that relate to the movie. Each mission may relate to a physical activity that may be performed easily in the child's home or other easily accessible location without the need for special equipment or facilities. The activity may involve walking or running a specified distance or helping with household or yard chores for a specified period of time. Other activities may involve community service such as removing litter from a neighborhood park or refereeing a sporting event. Any activity that involves exercise or some level of physical movement may qualify as a “mission.”

The child records information about activities or missions that he or she completes. Several input methods may be used to report mission activity. For example, a photographic recognition method may allow a player to upload a picture of the mission as proof that the child completed the mission. A special recognition tool may be used to identify the activity without further input (e.g., facial recognition used in cameras). A second reporting method may involve use of a pedometer to track step counts associated with missions. The step data may be uploaded to the site wirelessly or by USB plug in.

In addition, each child can define or create missions for others to complete. In exchange for participating in or defining activities or missions, the child may qualify for rewards or prizes that serve as an incentive to perform additional activities or missions. For example, a child that creates a mission that proves to be popular with other participants may be rewarded with an opportunity to discuss the mission on a radio program. A pod cast of the radio spot may be uploaded to the web site for others to hear. Other rewards may include access to unique content at the web site, unlocked sneak peeks to the movie, qualifying to win a portable device with content from the movie, or qualifying to win a grand prize such as attending the Hollywood premiere of the movie. Badges may be awarded for completion of various tasks. Finally, the web site may provide support services and access points for communicating with the children and parents and providing answers to their questions 114.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of content for an unsecured site according to an example embodiment is shown. Upon visiting the site 120, the computer user may be presented with information about registering for the program and details regarding participation in the program as well as details regarding the movie. The site may further comprise a link to a web site dedicated to the movie. The site may have links 122 to the following topics: how to play; parental permission; log in; and banner advertisement for prizes. The parental permission and log in options 124 may require additional input from the computer user that determines what additional information the computer user sees.

Referring to FIG. 3, a sample screenshot of a splash page for an unsecured site according to an example embodiment is shown. The page may comprise a link to a registration page 130 as well as a log in section 132. It may further comprise a link to the web site for the movie 134. In addition, the page may provide overall statistics related to agent participation and mission activity 136. Selection of a “headquarters” tab 138 may result in the display of a “headquarters” section of the unsecured site as shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, this section of the site may present details about weekly prizes 140 as well as a grand prize 142, details regarding the process of becoming an “agent” 144, and details regarding the process for accessing holograms 146 that may be unlocked as agents complete various activities.

Referring to FIG. 5, a sample “agent page” from a process for becoming an agent according to an example embodiment is shown. Initially, the computer user may be prompted for a username, password, and security question for authenticating the agent during login. In addition, the computer user may be prompted for a username or promotional code (provided on materials obtained at the promotional event) that identifies another agent. The username or promotional code may be used to identify the agent as the recruiting agent when other children register at the web site. Referring to FIG. 5, during the agent registration process, the computer user may be prompted to select a character from a list of characters 150 in the movie to serve as an avatar for the online experiences provided at the site. In addition, the computer user “agent” may be prompted for a parent's email address 152 for use in obtaining from the parent authorization to participate in other activities. Parental communications and responses are tracked so agents participate only in approved missions or activities.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram of content for a secure site according to an example embodiment is shown. Upon entering the secure portion of the site from the user log in page 160, the computer user sees a “headquarters” page and tabs for accessing information about missions (physical activities) to be completed or that have been completed. The site may be organized into tabs 162 that present information on participating in the program and details regarding the missions or physical activities. For example, an “agent” of the week may be selected each week based on participation in the program. Information about the agent of the week may be posted at the site. In addition, details regarding missions to be completed as well as missions that have been completed may be available. Other content at the site 164 may relate to rewards that are provided for completion of missions (e.g., unlocking movie content or presenting a hologram) or to a featured mission in which the computer user is invited to partake.

Referring to FIG. 7, a sample agent log in page according to an example embodiment is shown. The page presents details about the agent's personal activity 170, a featured mission 172, and other agents participating in the program 174.

Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram of a secure agent profile site according to an example embodiment is shown. The agent profile site 180 may be organized into tabbed sections 182 that provide instructions for printing an identification card and the point system for awarding prizes to agents. Additional tabs may provide information about the movies and holograms. Finally, the computer user may have the option of editing his or her agent profile.

Referring to FIG. 9, sample agent and referral cards according to an example embodiment are shown. Each referral card 190 may have an agent code printed on it so when the recruited agent registers at the site, the referring agent may be given credit.

Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram of a secure missions site according to an example embodiment is shown. Selection of a missions tab 200 may result in the display of a new page with information about weekly missions, extra training, creating new missions, and completed missions 202. Weekly training or physical activities may be posted to the site. One day a week a “special mission” may also be posted. The missions may include a combination of physical and mental activities. Each mission may have its own page that describes the details of the mission. A comments section may be used by computer users to post comments about a specified mission. Finally, each mission may have an associated check box that allows the computer user to indicate that a particular mission has been completed. As missions are completed, an agent's “badge” is updated or points are added to the agent's profile to indicate the agent's progress toward completing various missions 204. The site allows the computer user to track completion of missions that involve physical activities and to be rewarded as milestones are met. When a threshold number of missions are completed, the agent may be rewarded, for example, by unlocking content to the movie. In addition, the agent may move to a new status that provides access to new content. As new missions are created and/or featured, the computer user is encouraged to return to the site.

Referring to FIG. 11, a sample missions page according to an example embodiment is shown. Details regarding one or more missions may be presented on the page 210, 212. Each mission may be presented in its own section that describes the mission. A link to a comments section may also be provided. A checkbox allows the computer user to indicate that he or she has completed the mission. The number of agents that have completed the mission is tracked and presented in the mission section. A summary of completed missions is presented at the bottom of the page 214. Finally, the page has a link to a page for creating a new mission.

Referring to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a create missions site according to an example embodiment is shown. After selection of a create mission link 220, a create mission page is presented to the computer user. The computer user is prompted to provide a name for the mission, a short description of the mission, a goal for the mission, and instructions for the mission. The computer user can also identify other agents that may have assisted in developing the mission. Details regarding the mission are routed to the child's parent for approval. If the parent approves the mission, it is posted for the agents to complete.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a sample create mission page according to an example embodiment is shown. Referring to FIG. 13A, the computer user is first prompted to indicate whether the mission is physical or mental 230. Next, the computer user is prompted to name the mission and provide a short description 232. The computer user further describes the goal of the mission 234 and provides instructions for completing the mission 236. If there are other authors that have contributed to the mission, the computer user identifies them by name 238. Referring to FIG. 13B, the computer user next explains what physical activity occurs as a result of the mission and for how long 240. The computer user then indicates whether the mission involves teamwork or help from a parent. A preview window for the mission is then displayed 246. Finally, the computer user is provided with options for editing the mission or submitting it 248.

Referring to FIG. 14, a block diagram of hardware components to support user interaction with a web site according to an example embodiment is shown. A user computer 250 connects via the internet to a server computer 252. The server computer 252 has software components that create and deliver web pages to the user computer 250 comprising content as described above. Online profile data, mission data, event data, etc. is stored in one or more databases accessible to the server computer 252. The software supports the registration and online profile activities including each child's selection of a character from the movie that facilitates the online experience. The software further supports parental interaction and records each parental decision regarding children's online account and participation in the missions or physical activities. The software also supports the mission activity that is tied to each child's real world physical activity. Missions may be defined and communicated to children through the web site and information regarding completion of missions may be tracked. Finally, the software supports a variety of activities related to the movie, rewards for participation, and details regarding overall participation by agents.

While certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as evidenced by the claims. For example, entertainment events other than movies may be used to promote physical activity and may fall within the scope of the claimed invention. The online registration and mission definition and tracking procedures may be implemented in a variety of ways. Different types of rewards may be used and fall within the scope of the claimed invention. One skilled in the art would recognize that such modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. 

1. A computerized method for promoting health activity in children, comprising: (a) receiving at a web server from a first computer user accessing an entertainment event web site a request to establish a first user account; (b) assigning to said first user account a team recruiting code; (c) receiving at said web server from a plurality of computer users requests to establish user accounts; (d) assigning at said web server to a team said first computer user and a subset of said plurality of computer users entering said team recruiting code; (e) prompting a computer user on said team to create a new mission; (f) in response to said computer user responding to said prompt to create said new mission, displaying a create new mission page comprising prompts for additional mission data to be entered by said computer user; (g) receiving at said web server from said computer user on said team mission data for said new mission defined by said computer user, said mission data comprising: (1) a name for said new mission entered by said computer user in response to a first input text prompt; (2) a description of a health activity to be completed by computer users on said team, said description entered by said computer user in response to a second input text prompt; (3) instructions for said health activity to be completed by computer users on said team, said instructions entered by said computer user in response to a third input text prompt; (4) indicators for whether said new mission: (i) is a physical or mental activity; (ii) requires teamwork; and (iii) requires parental help; (h) generating at said computer a mission page comprising said mission data for said new mission defined by said user; (i) transmitting to said computer users on said team from said web server said page describing said new mission; and (j) receiving at said web server from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account to indicate said computer user's completion of said health activity for said new mission.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising a mission for said team generated at said web server.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising a mission provided by a computer user of another team at said web site.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said entertainment event is a movie.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising rewarding computer users on said team by providing said computer users with access to content related to said movie.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving at said web server from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account comprises receiving at said web server evidence that each computer user completed said health activity.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein evidence that each computer user completed said health activity comprises data selected from the group consisting of: photographic recognition data and data from a pedometer.
 8. A computerized system for promoting health activity in children, comprising: (a) promotional materials for an entertainment event, said promotional materials comprising an identifier for a web site; (b) a web server in communication with a first computer user, wherein said web server: (1) receives from said first computer user a request to establish an account at a web site; (2) assigns to said account for said first computer user a team recruiting code; (3) receives from a plurality of computer users requests to establish user accounts at said web site, said requests comprising an agent code; (4) compares said agent codes from said plurality of computer users to said team recruiting code to identify a subset of said plurality of computer users entering said team recruiting code; (5) assigns to a team said first computer user and said subset of computer users entering said team recruiting code; (6) transmits to said computer users on said team a page describing a new mission to be completed by each computer user on said team, said new mission: (i) comprising an identifier, a description, and instructions for a health activity to be completed by computer users on said team; (ii) comprising indicators for whether said new mission is a physical or mental activity, requires teamwork, and requires parental help; and (iii) defined by a computer user on said team that enters in a first input text prompt said identifier, enters in a second input text prompt said description for said health activity, enters in a third input text prompt said instructions for said health activity, and selects indicators for said new mission; and (7) receives from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account to indicate said computer user's completion of said health activity of said new mission.
 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a mission for said team generated at said web server.
 10. The system of claim 8 further comprising a mission provided by a computer user of another team at said web site.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein said entertainment event is a movie.
 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising rewards for said team comprising access to content related to said movie.
 13. The system of claim 8 wherein said web server receives from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account with evidence that each computer user completed said health activity.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said evidence that each computer user completed said health activity comprises data selected from the group consisting of: photographic recognition data and data from a pedometer.
 15. A computerized method for engaging children in health activity, comprising: (a) establishing at a web server a user account for a first computer user accessing said web site; (b) assigning to said user account a team recruiting code; (c) receiving at said web server from a plurality of computer users requests to establish user accounts, said requests comprising an agent code; (d) comparing at said web server said agent codes from said plurality of computer users to said team recruiting code to identify a subset of said plurality of computer users entering said team recruiting code; (e) entering in a database at said web server team data for a team comprising said first computer user and said subset of computer users; (f) transmitting to said computer users on said team from said web server a page describing a new mission comprising: (i) an identifier for said new mission entered in a first input text prompt by a computer user on said team; and (ii) a description of a health activity for said new mission entered in a second input text prompt by said computer user on said team; (iii) instructions for said health activity to be completed by computer users on said team, said instructions entered by said computer user in response to a third input text prompt; (iv) indicators for whether said new mission: (1) is a physical or mental activity, (2) requires teamwork; and (3) requires parental help; and (g) receiving at said web server from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account to indicate said computer user's completion of said health activity in said new mission.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a mission for said team generated at said web server.
 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising a mission provided by a computer user of another team at said web site.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein said entertainment event is a movie.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising rewarding computer users on said team by providing said computer users with access to content related to said movie.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein receiving at said web server from each computer user on said team a request to update said user's account comprises receiving at said web server evidence that each computer user completed said health activity of said mission. 